Luhr, Rockenfeller - ALMS spotlight

LUHR, ROCKENFELLER READY FOR AUDI PROTOTYPE DEBUT
The first time in the Audi R10 TDI brought wide smiles to their faces and
now Lucas Luhr and Mike Rockenfeller are ready for the real thing. Both
young Germans return to Le Mans for...

LUHR, ROCKENFELLER READY FOR AUDI PROTOTYPE DEBUT

The first time in the Audi R10 TDI brought wide smiles to their faces and
now Lucas Luhr and Mike Rockenfeller are ready for the real thing. Both
young Germans return to Le Mans for the first time with Audi and its diesel-
powered prototype.

The former Porsche works drivers will team with Frenchman Alexander Premat
in one of three R10s, their entry being referred to as the "rookie" car.
That's not completely accurate as both Luhr and Rockenfeller not only have
been at Le Mans but they also are former class winners, as well. But they
both admit that this marks a new era in their sports car careers.

"It's really a fantastic feeling," said Luhr, who won back-to-back GT2 wins
in 2002-03 and shared last year's LMP2 championship in the American Le Mans
Series for Porsche and Penske Motorsports. "You would rather be the one
doing all the passing instead of not being passed by everyone. It's a
fantastic chance that has been offered to me. The Porsche and the Audi are
two different prototypes based on the regulations although at first glance
they look alike. The Audi has much power. You touch the gas and you just
go.

Rockenfeller didn't race last year after winning in GT2 in 2005. He was
just 21 when he won for the BAM!/Alex Job Racing combination and also had a
taste of prototype racing last year with Penske at Petit Le Mans where he
was second with Luhr and Romain Dumas. Unlike Luhr, he did not believe the
Porsche RS Spyder differed that much from the Audi, putting aside obvious
differences like power, size and weight.

"Driving the car for the first time was very special," Rockenfeller said.
"It just shot off like a rocket. It really brings a smile to your face and
I'm very fortunate to have this opportunity at my age."

All three drivers completed a 30-hour test in April. The No. 3 Audi will
start fifth overall on the Le Mans grid Saturday.